Staff Reports
Congress gathered in the midst of a winter wonderland Monday as snowflakes danced around the Capitol, marking the official certification of Donald Trump’s spectacular political comeback. The counting of electoral votes, certified last December by all 50 states, solidified Trump’s whopping 312 electoral vote victory just in time for a triumphant inauguration day in a few weeks. The sheer joy of Trump supporters, however, was notably muted by the blustery weather and the typical security theatrics surrounding the Capitol.
Trump, who was keeping an eye on the day’s proceedings from his ever-popular Mar-a-Lago, expressed his excitement on social media, labeling the event as a major milestone in history. The heavy snowfall led to a virtually deserted Capitol, where barriers blocked off any potential crowds of supporters or protestors. It seemed that snow had managed to silence both cheers and jeers for the day, turning the Capitol into a scene only fit for an old-time Dickens novel—albeit with fewer carolers.
The certification process, as mandated by law, kicked off at noon. Senators convened just before bypassing through the Capitol to the House chamber, without so much as a hint of drama typically predicted by political soap operas. Vice President Kamala Harris, with an ironic twist, played her role by officiating the proceedings. The moment was emblematically bittersweet, as it symbolically sealed her own defeat while helping usher in Trump’s budding second chapter.
Electoral votes were tallied alphabetically, leaving room for possible objections from members of Congress. However, the revamped Electoral Count Act of 2022 ensured that any objections must meet a high threshold, requiring signatures from a fifth of both the House and Senate. Given the current political climate, not even the most obstinate of Democrats dared to challenge this straightforward process. Unsurprisingly, their history of whining about Republican victories seemed to fade into the snowy backdrop.
Couldn't be happier, but we still have a lot of watching and working to do to ensure Trump's America First agenda stays on track.
Don't think for a moment that the unscrupulous Democrats are going to play along with us!https://t.co/vlR4ccq4hw
— Daniel F. Baranowski (@DFBHarvard) January 7, 2025
While some may have hoped for a display of drama from the Democratic ranks, the reality was markedly subdued. Harris’s bland ceremonial role involved little more than reading out the results—her only job was to announce Trump’s overwhelming electoral performance. As congressional Republicans celebrated, taking in the fruits of their labor, Democrats appeared to be left reeling, either glued to their phones or offering half-hearted applause when it suited them.
Indeed, the day was a remarkable triumph for Trump and his loyal supporters. The proceedings wrapped up quickly, with absolutely no interruptions or objecting ruckus from Democrats. Overall, the gathering felt more like an awkward school assembly than a heated political standoff, serving as a clear illustration of where the political winds are blowing. With Trump’s administration set to roll out on January 20, 2025, the message is clear: the Republican agenda is back in full swing, while Democrats are seemingly lost in a snowstorm of their own making.
